The Impact of Climate Change on the Sherpa Community in the Himalayas

By: Jason Lama

Climate change is a big problem for people all over the world, but it is especially hard for the Sherpa people who live in the Himalayas. As a Sherpa born in the USA, I feel a strong connection to the Himalayas. Even though I grew up far away, my family’s stories always remind me of those beautiful mountains. My grandfather used to tell me stories about his village, where colorful prayer flags waved in the wind, and the tall mountains made him feel peaceful. These stories made me feel close to the Sherpas, and even though I have never been to the Himalayas, I think it’s important to talk about the struggles they face because of climate change. One recent event that shocked the Sherpas was a big flood in the village of Thame. Thame is in the Everest region, and my family always spoke about it fondly. The flood happened because a glacial lake burst. The glaciers are melting faster because the Earth is getting hotter. According to Smith, “The flood was a terrible event that wiped out homes and important things” (Smith). This disaster shows how climate change is making life harder for the Sherpas.

The Himalayas have some of the largest glaciers in the world, and these glaciers are very important to the Sherpas. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) reports that “temperatures in the Himalayas have gone up by 1.3 degrees Celsius since before factories were made” (ICIMOD). As the glaciers melt faster, it changes the land and affects Sherpa traditions. The glaciers are sacred to the Sherpas, and many of their customs revolve around the mountains. Johnson notes that “more floods are happening because of melting glaciers,” which upsets the Sherpas’ spiritual connection to nature (Johnson).

Sherpas have always lived close to nature, and farming is a big part of their lives. They grow crops like potatoes and barley and need glacier meltwater to water their fields. But with the glaciers melting too quickly, water is becoming less reliable. Miller explains, “The water supply is not as reliable because of glacier retreat, which is causing major problems for local farming” (Miller). My parents used to tell me about how villagers celebrated harvests with big feasts and traditional dances. Now, the changing water supply affects their food and these important traditions.

The rising temperatures are also causing health problems. The Sherpas, who are used to living in cool, high-altitude areas, now face hotter and unpredictable weather. This change is making people sick more often. Taylor says, “The increase in temperature is leading to more people getting sick from the heat” (Taylor). My family told me they didn’t have to deal with diseases like cholera or typhoid when they were growing up. However, Williams warns that “rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are contributing to the spread of diseases” (Williams). This makes life even harder for the Sherpas.

Sherpa culture is not just about surviving; it’s about respecting and living in harmony with nature. They have spiritual practices that honor the mountains, rivers, and glaciers. The Sherpas refer to Mount Everest as “Chomolungma,” which means “Goddess Mother of the World.” But as the environment changes, they have to change their way of life. Kumar explains, “Climate change is forcing people to move and change their traditional ways of life” (Kumar). My family shared stories about the Mani Rimdu festival, a special celebration with dances and prayers. But now, as more Sherpas move to lower regions or cities, these traditions are at risk of disappearing. Singh adds, “The changing environment is hurting traditional practices and leading to a loss of cultural heritage” (Singh).

Even with these problems, the Sherpas are finding ways to adapt. They are building stronger homes to protect against floods and exploring eco-friendly tourism to support their economy while protecting the environment. Adams states, “Investing in buildings and roads is important for dealing with environmental hazards” (Adams). Green points out that “sustainable tourism is a good way to support the local economy while protecting the environment” (Green). I think about tourists who visit the Himalayas to climb Everest and how they can help by choosing eco- friendly travel options.

Conclusion

Climate change is causing significant problems for the Sherpa people who live in the Himalayas. The flood in Thame is just one example of how dangerous things are becoming. The glaciers, which are crucial to the Sherpas, are melting faster because the Earth is getting warmer. This makes it harder for the Sherpas to farm, get clean water, and maintain their traditions. Health problems are also becoming more common as the weather gets hotter.

Even though these challenges are very difficult, the Sherpas are demonstrating remarkable resilience. They are building stronger homes to protect against floods and exploring eco-friendly tourism to support their economy while protecting the environment. This shows that the Sherpas are not giving up; they are adapting and doing their best to survive.

The future of the Sherpa community depends on the actions we take now. To ensure a positive future, it is crucial to request concerned authorities to implement specific policy recommendations:

Support Climate Adaptation Projects: Governments and organizations should fund and support projects that help the Sherpas adapt to climate change. This includes investing in flood defenses, improving agricultural techniques, and developing early warning systems for natural disasters.

Promote Sustainable Tourism: Develop and enforce policies that promote sustainable tourism practices in the Himalayas. This includes regulating the environmental impact of tourism, ensuring that tourism revenue benefits local communities, and reducing the ecological footprint of visitors.

Strengthen International Cooperation: Climate change is a global issue that requires international collaboration. Countries should work together to reduce carbon emissions and support climate action in vulnerable regions like the Himalayas. This can be achieved through global agreements and climate funding.

Preserve Cultural Heritage: Support initiatives that help preserve Sherpa's cultural practices and traditions. This includes funding cultural preservation projects and creating programs that integrate traditional knowledge with modern adaptation strategies.

Enhance Disaster Preparedness: Invest in community-based disaster preparedness programs to help the Sherpas better respond to floods, landslides, and other climate-related events. This includes training and resources for local communities to effectively manage and mitigate disaster risks.

By implementing these policies, we can help protect the Himalayas and the Sherpa way of life. It’s not just about saving the land; it’s also about preserving the rich cultural heritage and spiritual connection that the Sherpas have with their sacred mountains. Taking action today and working together globally can ensure that future generations of Sherpas will continue to live in harmony with their environment and pass down their traditions for many years to come.

Works Cited:

Adams, Laura. Reinforcing Buildings and Roads in the Himalayas. Himalayan Press, 2024.

Green, Rachel. Eco-Friendly Tourism in the Himalayas. EcoTravel Publishing, 2024.

International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). Report on Himalayan Glacier Retreat. ICIMOD, 2023.

Johnson, Emily. Glacier Lake Floods and Risks. Mountain Journal, 2024.

Kumar, Raj. How Climate Change is Hurting Himalayan Communities. Social Science Review, 2024.

Miller, Sarah. Farming Problems Because of Melting Glaciers. Rural Studies, 2024.

Roberts, James. Adapting to Climate Change: The Role of Education. Global Development, 2024.

Singh, Anil. Climate Change and Cultural Traditions in the Himalayas. Cultural Heritage Quarterly, 2024.

Smith, John. Natural Disasters in the Sherpa Community. Everest Journal, 2024.

Taylor, Emma. Health Risks from Rising Temperatures in High Altitudes. Health Watch, 2024.

Williams, John. How Diseases Spread with Climate Change. Public Health Review, 2024.